Slip and fall accidents come in many forms and are more than occasional flukes. They’re a real and recurring issue for residents and visitors alike. 

Under Utah slip and fall laws, property owners and occupiers are responsible for maintaining reasonably safe conditions for those who enter their premises. When they fail to do so, and someone is injured as a result, the law provides a path for recovery through a premises liability claim.

As Logan slip and fall lawyers, Craig Swapp & Associates extends our help to people who’ve been seriously hurt due to preventable hazards, many of which fall into common categories. 

If you’ve slipped, tripped, or fallen in Logan, here’s what you need to know about the most frequent types of slip and fall claims we see and the injuries they often involve.

1. Icy Sidewalks and Snow-Covered Entrances

Winters in Logan can be brutal, and slip and fall cases spike during the colder months. Ice and packed snow on sidewalks, parking lots, and entryways create treacherous walking conditions.

Common resulting injuries include:

  • Wrist fractures from bracing during the fall
  • Tailbone and hip injuries
  • Concussions and mild traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
  • Torn ligaments in knees and ankles

Although Utah does not have a statewide sidewalk-clearing statute, Logan city ordinances require property owners to remove snow and ice from public sidewalks within a reasonable time. Ignoring this obligation can support a finding of negligence.

2. Wet Floors in Grocery and Retail Stores

Falls in supermarkets, hardware stores, and shopping centers often happen due to unmarked spills, recently mopped floors, or water tracked in during rain or snow.

 

Common resulting injuries include:

  • Back sprains or herniated discs
  • Elbow or shoulder dislocations
  • Soft tissue damage to the hips or knees

Utah slip and fall laws require store owners to either fix or warn about dangerous conditions they know about or that a reasonable inspection would have uncovered.

3. Poorly Maintained Parking Lots

Potholes, oil slicks, uneven pavement, and bad lighting make parking lots another hot spot for slip and fall accidents in Logan. These areas are especially hazardous at night or during storms.

Common resulting injuries include:

  • Ankle sprains and fractures
  • Pelvic injuries
  • Facial lacerations or broken noses
  • Long-term nerve damage

Even though some property owners try to argue that hazards were “open and obvious,” Utah courts have held that this doesn’t automatically excuse negligence.

4. Damaged Stairs and Missing Handrails

Falls on staircases can be among the most dangerous. Claims often arise when stairs are uneven, crumbling, slick, or lack proper handrails.

Common resulting injuries include:

  • Head injuries from hitting steps or walls
  • Broken collarbones or ribs
  • Multiple fractures in the same limb
  • Permanent mobility issues

The duty of care is particularly high when stairs are located in apartment buildings or businesses open to the public.

5. Slip and Falls at Apartment Complexes

Injury claims from apartment tenants or their guests typically involve common areas like breezeways, laundry rooms, stairwells, and outdoor walkways. Property managers who fail to fix known hazards or conduct routine maintenance may be liable.

Common resulting injuries include:

  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Internal bruising or bleeding
  • Chronic pain from untreated soft tissue injuries

Since tenants are legally considered “invitees,” landlords owe them a high duty of care under Utah law.

6. Construction Zones and Sidewalk Obstructions

Logan continues to grow, and with new development comes sidewalk detours, temporary walkways, and construction equipment. When contractors or owners fail to secure these areas, falls can occur.

Common resulting injuries include:

  • Deep lacerations from debris or rebar
  • Crush injuries from tripping near moving equipment
  • Foot and toe fractures from uneven surfaces

Utah courts assess duty in these cases by examining foreseeability, the relationship between the injured party and the defendant, and whether broader policy considerations support holding someone accountable.

7. Government-Owned Properties and Trails

Public schools, city buildings, parks, and sidewalks maintained by the City of Logan present another set of risks. Filing a claim here involves special procedures under the Governmental Immunity Act of Utah.

Common resulting injuries include:

  • Shoulder fractures from playground falls
  • Concussions from falling in unmaintained restrooms or entrances
  • Soft tissue injuries from trail debris or broken pavement

Claims against government entities require notice within 1 year of the incident, and missing that window could bar your case entirely.

Who Are Commonly Liable in These Slip and Fall Cases?

In Logan, liability often falls on one of the following parties:

  • Commercial property owners – such as grocery stores, retail chains, and restaurants that fail to inspect and maintain walkways
  • Residential landlords and apartment managers – especially when common areas are left in disrepair
  • Private homeowners – if guests are injured on unsafe porches, stairs, or sidewalks
  • Business tenants – when they lease commercial space and control the area where the fall occurred
  • Municipal governments – if the fall occurred on public property (subject to strict notice and deadline rules)
  • Construction contractors or subcontractors – if temporary walkways or work zones were dangerous or lacked warnings

Determining who is responsible can require an investigation of lease agreements, maintenance logs, city records, and surveillance footage.

Do These Slip and Fall Cases Go to Court?

Most slip and fall claims are resolved through negotiation or mediation, especially when liability is clear and injuries are well-documented. 

However, certain factors may lead a case to trial:

  • Disputes over how the fall happened
  • Lack of video evidence or conflicting witness statements
  • Disagreement about causation between the fall and the injury
  • Pushback from insurance companies regarding the value of your claim

If you or someone you love was injured in one of these common types of slip and fall accidents, don’t wait. Injury lawyers can assess your situation, identify who may be liable, and help you pursue full and fair compensation. 

They can often negotiate a fair outcome without going to court. But they also prepare every case as if a trial is likely, especially when a client has substantial injuries and the defense is not cooperating.

To learn more about your case, call Craig Swapp & Associates at 385-425-4677 to schedule a free consultation or send us a message about your case by answering our online form here.

Written By: Ryan Swapp     Legal Review By: Craig Swapp